Perhaps the greatest benefit of clay as an art medium comes from its dual ability to fulfill aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. For instance, depending on the artist’s intentions, he or she can create a purely decorative or aesthetic sculpture, a simple functional vase, or even a decorative mug, intended for aesthetic viewing pleasure and the simultaneous utilitarian purpose of being able to drink from it. The dual aesthetic and functional quality of clay emerges out of the artist’s ability to control this unique medium’s shape, form, and texture (Williams, 2015).
References
Williams, A. (2005). Teacher’s edition: Beginning sculpture. Davis Publications.